Curran statement after passing gun bill

After casting a vote for the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 on Tuesday, (NY SAFE Act), Assemblyman Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook) released the following statement:

“Over the past thirty days, I have been speaking with many constituents, parents and grandparents about their demand for legislation which keeps guns out of the hands of mentally ill individuals, reduces the number of violent crimes with illegal hand guns and provides a safer environment for our children. This legislation accomplishes those three goals.

“In only a few months, we have seen brutal acts of violence perpetrated upon innocent children, first responders and our communities. The violent culture of our society is reaching unacceptable heights. We, as lawmakers, are required by virtue of our office and our own conscience to get those with mental illnesses the care they need and provide the oversight necessary to make sure that tragedy does not befall our nation again, as it did Newtown, Connecticut and upstate in Webster.

“The NY SAFE Act expands Kendra’s Law, which grants judges the authority to require people who meet certain mental wellness criteria to regularly undergo psychiatric treatment as a condition to live within the community, and provides a mechanism to keep firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill.

‘As horrific as an attack perpetrated on our children ever could be, the idea that our first responders could be targets for deranged criminals is harrowing. Those who are responsible for protecting and rescuing our children and families from crisis situations need to be protected. The NY SAFE Act provides stronger penalties for criminals who purposefully attack our first responders.

“Additionally, the NY SAFE Act significantly increases criminal penalties for those individuals who possess illegal firearms. This law also closes several loopholes including the “straw-man purchase” that allows illegal guns to be transferred.